During the 2007 Summer Meeting of the Council of the Federation in Moncton, New Brunswick, the Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Mr. John Furlong, Chief Executive Officer of the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC). The MOU will promote the province�s culture and heritage, as well as examine trade and business possibilities at the 2010 Winter Games in British Columbia.

"It gives me great pride to take part in this signing today, as it provides a wonderful opportunity for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to make a significant contribution to the 2010 Winter Games," said Premier Williams. "Through this Memorandum of Understanding, our residents will have the ability to be volunteers at the games, our province will be showcased at various events and the Torch Relay will visit Newfoundland and Labrador. The MOU also enables us to pursue various opportunities for economic development in the context of the games, including promoting of our province as a tourism destination."

The MOU establishes collaboration on cultural and heritage activities, tourism marketing, volunteer activities, along with business development and procurement. As one example of the planned activities, the Cultural Olympiad being organized by VANOC will include events such as an Arts Festival that will provide artists from across the country an opportunity to demonstrate their talents to the thousands of spectators expected to attend the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

"We welcome Newfoundland and Labrador to our Olympic and Paralympic team and look forward to showcasing this remarkable region of Canada to the world through the power of the 2010 Winter Games," said John Furlong. "The human spirit and powerful energy of Newfoundland and Labrador will help to ensure that these 2010 games will touch all Canadians and inspire the world."

"The 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games are Canada�s games and it is great to see Premier Williams and the people of Newfoundland and Labrador fully embrace this international opportunity," said the Honourable Gordon Campbell, Premier of British Columbia. "When British Columbia hosts the world in 2010, visitors will get a complete picture of what makes Canada the best nation in the world to work, live and play."

"I would like to commend both Premier Gordon Campbell and John Furlong for their efforts in ensuring that the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games are truly Canada�s games," added Premier Williams. "Providing the people of Canada an opportunity to participate in this world-class event is a tribute to the spirit of the Olympics and the people of British Columbia. Newfoundlanders and Labradorians will be front and centre as volunteers, as participants in cultural events and anywhere else there exists an opportunity for us to show our pride of place and our own Olympic spirit."

In July of 2006, the Council of the Federation agreed that all Canadians should receive the maximum economic, cultural, health and sport development possible from the 2010 Winter Games.

"We all recall the amazing experience the Torino 2006 Olympic Winter Games was for our province as the Gushue Rink became Olympic curling champions. I am confident that the 2010 Winter Games will have thrilling moments for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as the people of Canada, as we showcase our country�s amazing athletic talent," said Premier Williams.

Several provinces and territories have signed or are negotiating similar MOUs with VANOC in an effort to encourage participation by all of Canada�s citizens. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador looks forward to the years leading up to the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games and strengthening the bond between our province and VANOC.

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